Who will advance to the NBA Finals? And who will raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June? Members of The Athletic NBA staff share their predictions: East finals: Knicks in 7 West finals: Thunder in 6 NBA Finals: Thunder in 6 Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Analysis: After seeing how hard the flawed,

After a dominating second half in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding lead in the Western Conference Finals on Thursday with newly named Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous Alexander at the help.

The field for the NBA conference finals has been decided. Four teams will compete for the opportunity to play for the NBA championship.

WATCH: Every Thunder vs. Timberwolves playoff game LIVE on Sling Gilgeous ... Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels. Here are the key dates ...

Instant reaction from the Nuggets’ 125-93 loss  to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of their second-round NBA Playoffs series.

ESPN is trying out some new technology for its broadcast of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder are learning in real time what’s required to get to the next level, an encouraging sign. But they will need to be much better.